Program Managers

The Refugee Children Center (RCC) is a nonprofit organization rooted in community, providing a healing embrace and a dignified welcome to children and families who have made the perilous journey from the South to the U.S./México border. We serve those who identify as Indigenous from Meso and South America — historically, culturally, and through their Indigenous language or Spanish.

We offer our center as a hopeful refuge, delivering holistic support that addresses basic needs, personal development, enrichment, and access to legal and social services — easing the transition to a new life in the United States with dignity and care. Our programs include Nuevos Comienzos (early childhood), Raíces Fuertes (youth development), Jardín sin Fronteras (community garden), ESL classes, immigration legal services, and wraparound social services.

POSITION SUMMARY

RCC seeks a dedicated, experienced, and mission-driven Bilingual Program Manager to serve as the operational hub of our day-to-day programming. This role coordinates, manages, and evaluates multiple programs across the organization, providing critical infrastructure support that allows the Executive Director to focus on donor development, grant writing, and external leadership.

The Program Manager will oversee program implementation across departments, supervise staff who oversee MSW student interns and volunteers, support data and reporting functions, and serve as a key liaison between staff, participants, and community partners. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, and a deep, authentic commitment to serving immigrant and refugee communities with cultural humility and trauma-informed care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management and Development

Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of RCC programs and services, including Nuevos Comienzos, Raíces Fuertes, Jardín sin Fronteras, Caregivers support (ESL classes, parenting classes), Children and Families(wraparound social) and Legal immigration services. Develop program goals and objectives in alignment with the organization's mission and active grant requirements. Ensure programs meet the evolving needs of participants and are delivered effectively, equitably, and efficiently. Identify and address program challenges and proactively surface opportunities for improvement and growth. Oversee the development, implementation, and execution of sub-programs, special projects, and non-legal initiatives designed to achieve the organization's overall mission and grant-funded objectives.

Staff and Volunteer Supervision

Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, volunteers, and MSW student interns, as assigned. Provide ongoing support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to direct reports. Conduct performance check-ins and manage staff and volunteer schedules in coordination with the Operations and Volunteer Coordinator. Serve as the RCC Field Preceptor for student interns, facilitating a structured learning environment that supports personal and course objectives. Preceptor responsibilities include: reviewing the student intern handbook during onboarding; providing one-hour weekly check-ins to ensure interns are supported and resourced; guiding interns on their Footprint Projects at the close of each internship unit; providing ongoing feedback and correcting errors in real time; and conducting post-internship evaluations. In this capacity, the Program Manager will guide MSW interns to provide case management for at-risk participants during their internship placement.

Participant Support and Engagement

Build authentic, trusting relationships with program participants and their families. Ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment for all participants, with particular attention to the cultural, linguistic, and historical identities of the communities we serve. Address participant concerns and feedback promptly, compassionately, and with cultural responsiveness. Maintain a participant-centered approach that prioritizes dignity, self-advocacy, and community belonging over service dependency.

Community and Partnership Building

Establish and maintain strong relationships with community partners, service providers, coalitions, and stakeholders — including IMMpowered, Penny Lane Centers, Baby2Baby, CHIRLA, UCLA ADP, and others. Represent RCC at community meetings, coalition convenings, events, and other forums on behalf of the Executive Director when needed. Collaborate with partners to enhance program offerings, expand community resources, and strengthen the collective response to the needs of immigrant and refugee families. Work collaboratively and effectively with diverse groups of clients, volunteers, staff, and external stakeholders across sectors.

Data Collection, Reporting, and Grant Compliance

Oversee the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data across all active programs. Develop, write, edit, and present comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports and evaluations to meet funder and grant requirements. Ensure compliance with all reporting deadlines, funder guidelines, and subcontract deliverables. Advise on operating goals and objectives for programs; identify opportunities to enhance program operations, achieve greater efficiencies, and fulfill objectives outlined within active contracts and grants. Work closely with the Executive Director to support the preparation of speeches, press releases, and other promotional materials that advance awareness of RCC's mission and secure ongoing funding.

Communications and Outreach

Coordinate outreach strategies to promote programs and services within the community. Provide content and materials to support RCC's social media presence and website strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bilingual in English and Spanish — spoken and written — required
• Two to three years of experience working with children, preferably unaccompanied minors, immigrant and refugee children, or survivors of abuse, human trafficking, or other trauma
• Program management experience, or equivalent experience in social work, counseling, or a related field
• Strong intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity, and awareness, with demonstrated cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience working with a diverse team of social service providers and advocating on behalf of clients
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, law firms, or other legal service providers (prior experience preferred)
• Familiarity with adult immigrant caretakers or training in trauma-informed parenting
• Ability to work weekends as needed
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound, mission-aligned judgment
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail) and comfortable learning new platforms

Preferred

• Bachelor's in Business Administration, nonprofit management, or related field (or equivalent lived and professional experience)
• Experience as a field supervisor or preceptor for MSW or undergraduate student interns
• Familiarity with grant compliance and program reporting for foundation or government funders
• Knowledge of the San Fernando Valley community and local service landscape
• Experience with volunteer coordination and community mobilization
• Familiarity with Indigenous communities from Meso and South America and/or knowledge of an Indigenous language is a significant plus

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This role requires the physical ability to perform the following: prolonged sitting, walking, and standing up to the duration of a scheduled shift (excluding breaks); frequent use of computers and/or mobile devices; reaching, including above eye level, crouching, bending, and squatting; lifting and moving items weighing up to 50 lbs.; and the physical ability to respond appropriately to emergency and unplanned situations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Hourly Rate: $28/hour
• Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
• Upon successful completion of the 90-day introductory period, the following benefits apply on a prorated basis:
• Vacation hours
• Personal hours
• Sick days
• 12 observed and paid holidays per year
• 401(k) enrollment with 5% company match

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed within an office and community setting and includes phone and in-person contact with clients, families, staff, and partners. Some programming takes place outdoors (garden, community events). Occasional evening and weekend hours are required.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, please submit all of the following via email

Cover letter describing your experience and your personal commitment to immigrant and refugee communities

• Resume or CV
• Salary requirements
• Contact information for three professional references

Applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants selected for interviews will be notified directly. Please, no phone calls or drop-in inquiries.

Refugee Children Center is an EOE committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in both its staff and work. Job descriptions are not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to undertake duties which are broadly in line with the above responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Commute:

• North Hills, CA 91343 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $28